Women’s Fund celebrates five years of collective giving

Maureen Carter, Judy Morris and Dr. Vicki Barber, left to wirght, celebrate the Womens Fund El Dorado's success over the last five years. Courtesy photo

The Women’s Fund El Dorado has awarded more than $200,000 and touched the lives of more than 13,000 members of our community during its first five years, according to Bill Roby, El Dorado Community Foundation director.

Roby spoke at the fund’s annual Membership Celebration Dinner held at David Girard Vineyards in Placerville on Oct. 4. Approximately 175 donors and their guests attended.

Founded in 2007, the highly successful philanthropic organization is based on the principal of collective giving in order to address some of the most pressing needs in the community. Each fund member donates $200 or more annually, and each has an equal vote in deciding how to distribute the year’s grant money. The organization’s Grants Committee researches various nonprofit and educational requests to fund specific programs, and then determines which will appear on each year’s ballot. Some of those who have benefitted from Women’s Fund grants include The Boys and Girls Club of El Dorado County, the Food Bank of El Dorado County, the Upper Room, The Center for Violence-Free Relationships, the El Dorado Arts Council, the American River Conservancy and Golden Sierra High School as well as 13 other organizations serving the western slope of the county.

“The Women’s Fund El Dorado is unique in that we are not fundraisers — we are collaborative philanthropists,” said incoming chair Maureen Carter. “The options are many for members who might enjoy an increased sense of involvement; however, some members appreciate the simplicity of making their annual contribution and participating in the online grants voting process. We welcome members at all levels of involvement.”

The Women’s Fund El Dorado is a fund under the umbrella of the El Dorado Community Foundation. It was started by three local women. Today the fund has approximately 275 donor members with membership open to anyone. For more information about the fund visit womensfundeldorado.org or call the Women’s Fund at (530) 622-5621.